SPAIN BULLFIGHTS AND SANGRIA

cocktail of bullfighting,       inspired by Celtic Britain, even
flamenco and sangria, Spain     borrowing the Scottish bagpipes
is a country blessed with       as instrument of choice.
rich history and culture. Add
beautiful beaches and warm            Spain’s emotional love affair
climate, and it’s evident why         with the art world is captured in
Spain is the world’s second most      its many fine museums. Works of
visited country.                      the country’s favourite sons,
                                      including the surreal
The demise of Franco opened Spain     compositions of Dali, and the
to a curious world. A booming         enigmatic genius of Picasso are
tourist industry allowed the          displayed with honour.
country to grow, revealing its
history and way of life to an         Attracting over 2 million
interested planet.                    visitors a year, La Sagrada
                                      Familia in Barcelona is Gaudi’s
Each town revels in its               most celebrated masterpiece.
individual brand of architecture,     Under construction since 1882,
none more so than Barcelona,          this magnificent cathedral is not
bearing the architectural             expected to be completed until
signature of Antonio Gaudi. The       around the year 2080. Today, the
Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos in          project is funded from tourism.
Santiago de Compostela is
believed to be the world’s oldest     The Plaza Major in Madrid is the
hotel. Buildings in the far south     capital’s most historic landmark.
of Spain retain a distinct            This old town square is the
Moroccan influence, a consequence     perfect place to sit and relax,
of invasions from ancient past.       drink your coffee, and watch the
                                      world go by. Tourists and locals
Northern Spain seems to have been     congregate each day to absorb the

ambience and exchange thoughts.       activity, plant life and
                                      vegetation thrive in the rich
However, there is more to this        soil, providing safe refuge for
place than meets the eye. In days     local wildlife. Golden sands
gone by, kings have been crowned      contrast the black volcanic rock,
here and trials of the                while the cool Atlantic breeze
inquisition held. Other events        retains a comfortable
such as bullfighting have also        temperature.
taken prominence. Despite its
age, meticulous attention has         The Balearic Islands, southeast
kept the square beautifully           of Barcelona are another suntrap,
preserved.                            a lure for those who enjoy a hot
                                      sun and long nights. Indeed, the
Sun worshippers with little           island of Ibiza is the party
cultural interest can find solace     capital of Europe.
on the Costa del Sol. A haven for
beach lovers, the long golden         For those of a more cultured
sands provide ample opportunity       persuasion, the Prado Museum in
for that bronze tan.                  Madrid houses some of the
                                      greatest works throughout Europe.
Located off the west coast of         Since construction in 1819,
Morocco, the Canary Islands are       millions have passed through and
the ideal destination for beach       revelled in its glory.
holidays. Born of volcanic

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Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

Spain Bullfights And Sangria